RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Radiologic technologists in Saudi Arabia
JF Saudi Medical Journal
JO Saudi Med J
FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City
SP 913
OP 917
DO 10.15537/smj.2021.42.8.20210171
VO 42
IS 8
A1 Makkawi, Mohammed
A1 Alasmari, Sultan
A1 Shubayr, Nasser A.
A1 Alashban, Yazeed I.
A1 Eisa, Nashwa H.
A1 Khairy, Hussain A.
YR 2021
UL http://smj.org.sa/content/42/8/913.abstract
AB Objectives: To determine the influence of prolonged exposure to radiation based on dosimeter readings on hematological parameters among radiologic technologists (RTs) in Saudi Arabia.Methods: The study was specifically conducted on selected RTs with experience of more than 10 years and the highest thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) readings among all RTs in the Radiological Department, Sabya General Hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia from August to October 2020. The RTs group was compared with a control group of non-irradiated participants. Blood samples were collected for hematological and coagulation profile evaluation.Results: The acquired radiation dose analysis revealed that the average accumulated dose in 10 years is 7.6 mSv. The medians of prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) of the RTs group were significantly lower when compared to the control group. In addition, RTs group exhibited a significant reduction in neutrophil count and an elevation in lymphocyte count.Conclusion: Chronic exposure to radiation revealed a significant change in blood tests and may reflect an effect on RTs tissues, leading to serious health problems. However, further investigation in a large cohort to study the association between alteration in hematological parameters and chronic radiation exposure is required.